Latest Expedition Journal

November 9: Day 38

A Captain's Reflections - by Jason Quilter

A ship at rest. The SSV Robert C. Seamans safely docked this morning in Honolulu, Hawaii at 0800. Docklines now tether the ship to a distant shore and her flags fly proudly in the steady northeast trade winds. The stunning backdrop of the Diamond Head volcanic crater silhouettes the tall masts of our ship as we conclude the final moments of our voyage. We mustered one last time on the ship’s quarterdeck to say goodbye to our shipmates and to reflect on our accomplishments.

We have completed the Plastics at SEA: North Pacific Expedition 2012, an historic, 2,600-nautical mile, 36-day journey. Through the teamwork and exceptional efforts by the entire ship’s crew of 38 people, we have successfully sailed the Robert C. Seamans from San Diego, CA through the North Pacific subtropical gyre and down to the Hawaiian Islands.

Our oceanographic research mission has been fulfilled by our dedicated scientists, researchers, and hardworking crew who spent countless hours deploying sampling equipment and tallying the plastic pieces retrieved in our nets. The ship was kept safe and running smoothly by the never ending vigilance and constant care from her devoted…

School Email Exchange

Beginning the week of October 7, Classroom Outreach Coordinator Pat Keoughan will be posting questions from our partner schools, which will be answered by the scientists and crew onboard the SSV Robert C. Seamans. Check back soon to learn what kids in grades 5-12 are asking and learning about science and life onboard a sailing research vessel in the Pacific Ocean! Click here...

Featured Biography

Emilee Monson - S-202

Today Portland, Oregon is where Ems calls home. When she’s not biking, painting, or watching her garden grow, she is the energy and the environment educator at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. Ems has a biological sciences degree from the University of Alaska, Anchorage, holds a 100-ton…
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Frequently Asked Questions

What have scientists learned about plastic and other marine debris in the ocean? What questions have yet to be answered? Click here...

Current SEA Research

An area of plastic debris was first observed in the North Atlantic Ocean in the early 1970s, but in recent years, a similar area of plastic debris in the Pacific Ocean has received the most media attention. Sea Education Association (SEA) has been studying both debris fields – in the North Atlantic for the past 25 years, and in the North Pacific the past eight. Click here...

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About the Expedition

The Plastics at SEA: North Pacific Expedition 2012 is a scientific research expedition conducted by Sea Education Association (SEA) dedicated to the study of the effects of plastic marine debris in the ocean ecosystem. Plastics are versatile, durable and inexpensive materials that have become an important part of our daily lives. Because of their extensive use and slow degradation, plastics have also become a ubiquitous presence in the world’s oceans. In October 2012, 38 scientists, sailors and students will embark upon an expedition from San Diego, CA to Honolulu, HI to tackle tough questions about the impacts of plastic on the ocean ecosystem while also providing updated estimates of floating plastic concentrations in the region dubbed the “Great Pacific Garbage Patch”. Read More...

Plastics at SEA: North Pacific Expedition 2012 is funded by Sea Education Association, with funding from the Henry L. and Grace Doherty Foundation in support of the web-based and educational outreach programs. Additional support provided by Patagonia and Elemental Herbs. Crew gear provided by MO BIO.